Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
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336. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the requirement for multiple vetting process be removed, due to the problems caused, particularly if people have already been vetted for previous employment or charity work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22553/25]

Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
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337. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for clarity on Garda vetting fees to be given; if this charge will be eliminated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22554/25]

Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
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338. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he is aware that the Garda vetting is taking a very long time, which is preventing people from starting employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22555/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 336, 337 and 338 together.

The primary purpose of vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. I know the Deputy appreciates the importance of this task and I am sure he agrees with the need for it to be carried out thoroughly and correctly.

I believe the many organisations concerned with the safety, enjoyment and comfort of children and vulnerable people understand that they must take all reasonable steps to ensure that only suitable people are recruited and employed, and take this responsibility very seriously. This requires a robust Garda vetting process that reassures the public, parents in particular, that appropriate checks are conducted on people taking on positions of trust.

I am advised by Garda management that, while more complex cases can take some time, there is currently no delay or backlog in the standard vetting process. The current turnaround time for the vast majority of applications is five to six working days from the date of receipt, well within their target of five to ten working days.

A review is currently underway by the Garda Vetting Review Group which was tasked with ensuring that any amendments to the vetting process ensure it remains robust, efficient and effective while improving the service to customers. The membership of the group includes An Garda Síochána and officials from the Department of Justice, from Tusla, and from other relevant stakeholders.

I can assure the Deputy that the Group’s primary focus has been to examine the means of strengthening the vetting legislation in a workable and effective manner. I am informed that the Group’s report on arrangements for Garda Vetting is nearing completion and I expect it to deal with issues that have arisen concerning the re-vetting period and the portability of vetting disclosures across other similar activities.

I can also assure the Deputy that there will be no delay in responding to any recommendations made to me and I look forward to receiving the report in the near future.

I also wish to inform the Deputy that An Garda Síochána does not charge a fee for the processing of Garda Vetting applications by the National Vetting Bureau. The question of fees, if any, that may be charged by a given organisation for the administrative services it provides to applicants is a matter for the individual organisation concerned.